Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies: Set for prospects tournament
Rotowire
Knies (concussion) will participate in the Traverse City Prospects Tournament, which begins Thursday.
Knies will be part of Toronto's 26-man roster for the tournament after sustaining a concussion during the second round of the postseason against Florida. The 20-year-old forward could end up in a middle-six role with the Maple Leafs going into the 2023-24 season.
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Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies: Practicing Friday
Rotowire
Knies (concussion) is partaking in an optional practice Friday, Jonas Siegel of The Athletic reports.
This is the first time that Knies has returned to the ice since suffering the injury in Game 2 versus Florida on May 4. Knies has played quite well for the Maple Leafs since signing his entry-level contract April 9. He has a goal and four points in seven postseason games. Knies should be considered doubtful for Game 5 on Friday, but could return Sunday, if there is a Game 6.
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Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies: Unlikely to return Friday
Rotowire
Knies (concussion) isn't expected to return for Game 5 against Florida on Friday, Mark Masters of TSN reports.
Knies sustained the injury May 4 and has missed the Maple Leafs' last two contests. The 20-year-old was doing well in the playoffs prior to the injury, scoring a goal and four points in seven appearances. Knies hasn't resumed skating, so he might not be close to playing.
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Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies: Out with concussion
Rotowire
Knies (concussion) will miss Games 3 and 4 in Florida and is unlikely to return for the remainder of the series, Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com reports.
The rookie struggled to the bench in the first period and did not return. Knies has been a force in the playoffs, scoring once and adding three assists in seven games. Look for Zach Aston-Reese or Wayne Simmonds to enter the lineup in place of Knies.
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Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies: Won't finish Game 2
Rotowire
Knies (undisclosed) won't finish Thursday's Game 2 versus the Panthers.
Knies struggled to the bench after a shift in the first period, and he was ruled out for the remainder of the game at the start of the second. He logged one hit in 5:33 of ice time Thursday. An update on his status should be available before Sunday's Game 3.
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Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies: Scores first NHL goal
Rotowire
Knies scored a goal on two shots in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to Florida.
Knies' first NHL goal was an impressive one, grabbing a feed in the slot before spinning around Sergei Bobrovsky and burying a backhander to get the Leafs on the board in the second period. Knies, a second-round pick in 2021, signed with the Leafs late in the regular season following his NCAA career with the University of Minnesota. He was immediately put in a top-line role alongside Auston Matthews and William Nylander. The move appears to be paying dividends thus far -- Knies has a goal and three assists through six postseason contests.
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Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies: Instrumental on series winner
Rotowire
Knies picked up an assist on the game-winning goal Saturday in a 2-1 overtime victory over Tampa Bay in Game 6.
Once again, Knies acquitted himself like a veteran in the game and was instrumental in setting up the series-clinching goal. He controlled the puck behind the net and maintained possession before getting it to John Tavares, who circled the net. Knies once again got the puck and popped it back to the captain, who skated out, wheeled around and fired a shot that ricocheted off a Bolts player's skate and in. Knies is big, strong and fast, and that's a great combination in Toronto's top six.
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Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies: Best Leaf on ice in OT win?
Rotowire
Knies picked up an assist in 19:15 of ice time in a 4-3 overtime win over the Lightning in Game 3.
The kid hasn't been overwhelmed in making the jump from the NCAA to the NHL playoffs. In fact, Knies may have been the best Leaf on the ice Saturday. His speed and strength were on display on every shift, and he spent most of the game on the top lines. Remember Knies' name next draft -- he could vie for the Calder trophy next season, especially if he gets a permanent gig in the top six. And that's even with Connor Bedard headed to the NHL. Look at what a top-six role did for Michael Bunting as a rookie.
